Meaning of "Never Fade" by Alice In Chains

The lyrics of "Never Fade" delve into deep emotions of grief, isolation, and internal struggle. The opening lines set a somber tone, describing how silent grief suffocates the room and the narrator feeling their breathing speed up at the thought of this person. There's a sense of loss and longing, with the inner voice seemingly urging the narrator towards self-destruction. The line "Only choice to vanish down the trail I bled" suggests that the narrator sees disappearing as the only solution or escape from their pain.

However, amidst this darkness, the song introduces a ray of light. The chorus emphasizes the constant presence of someone, with the repeated lines "You're never far away, I always see you" and "And when it all goes dark you light my way through." This presence acts as a guiding force and source of comfort for the narrator, providing them with strength and direction in difficult times.

The lyrics also touch upon themes of distance and identity. The lines "I know you think you're someone I forgot" and "I'm everything you really think I'm not" highlight a sense of misunderstanding or misperception. It suggests that there may be distance between the narrator and this person, leading to misconceptions about who they truly are. The line "Growing cold, try to numb my feeling" further emphasizes a struggle with one's own emotions and the resulting detachment from others.

There is an element of sacrifice and loss present in the lyrics as well. The lines "Paid the price for all the lives I used to live" and "Sacrifice for all the love I tried to give" suggest that the narrator has experienced pain and loss in their past, perhaps as a result of their actions or choices. This adds another layer of complexity to their emotions and the challenges they face in finding peace and acceptance.

Overall, "Never Fade" is a song that explores the depths of grief and struggle, while also offering a glimmer of hope through the presence of someone who provides guidance and support. It delves into themes of distance, identity, sacrifice, and the ongoing battle against negative thoughts and perceptions.